Record Reviews

JOE HENDERSON ~ CONSONANCE: LIVE AT THE JAZZ SHOWCASE RESONANCE 2084 (Barcode: 617270122938) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 Released: 2026 This is an archival live album by American Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist, and his quartet with pianist Joanne BrackeenFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve RodbyFind albums by this artist and drummer Danny SpencerFind albums by this artist, recorded in February 1978 at the Jazz Showcase club in Chicago, Il. The 2CD album presents nine tracks, three of which are originals by Henderson and the rest are standards. Five of the tracks are over twenty minutes in duration. All the tracks are previously unreleased and the remastered sound quality is excellent. The album includes a twenty-eight-page booklet with background information, photographs and interviews with musicians, as usual with all the ResonanceFind albums on this label releases. The music is, as expected, immensely intensive, a never ending orgy of saxophone solos lasting often uninterrupted for fifteen minutes, not quite Free but closely bordering on Free, superbly supported by the smoking rhythm section. Henderson, always deeply influenced by John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, continued the intense Coltrane-like appearances on stage, which were always a greater than life experience, and this album captures this spirit perfectly. The hidden gem of this album are of course the piano performances by Brackeen, one of my all-time favorite pianists, who remains sadly mostly underappreciated, but offered many star quality performances over the years on many recordings. Overall, this is a superb piece of American Jazz history, caught here at its full glory and mesmerizing intensity. Both Henderson’s many followers, as well as Coltrane’s enthusiasts, should find this to be right up their alley, and don’t miss this opportunity to discover (or-rediscover) the genius of Brackeen!

Updated: 22/07/2026Posted: 22/07/2026

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